WWII in Italy. A woman is hiding a secret. A tragic yet beautiful story. A must read. This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This review is mine.

This was well done historical fiction set in southern Italy during WW2; mostly in the town of Bari, on the beautiful coast of the Adriatic Sea. The author described Bari and its people so vividly, and I loved reading about a place that I knew little about.

The efforts to save the great art of Italy were familiar to me. However, that took a back seat (for me) to the story of Alessia, her family, her neighbors and her friends. Sienna’s life in Rome also grew interesting as her back story was revealed. Her grit and courage made her a great character.

I spent most of the book trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together but I was guessing almost up to the reveal. It was definitely complicated!

Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

This was an excruciating read. I almost DNF'd this book many times, and had it not been an ARC I would have dropped it at 27%. In fact, part f me is angry at myself for suffering through this, and wasting my precious time. The writing style is nauseating at best, the plot non-existent and the characters insufferable. I would have left Siena at an orphanage too, the dreadful little twit. This is not about art, it's not about people, it's not really about anything. The timeline jumps all over, and it's impossible to keep track of anything that is actually happening. The characters become irrationally angry over things that make no sense. Of course James couldn't tell them about the mustard gas.... have you ever heard of a security clearance????? Those existed even in the 1940's. Nothing about this book would make me pick up another tome from this author. I'd rather read the dictionary: it has more depth than this book.

I was swept away by The Keeper of Lost Art—a beautifully written, emotional story that stayed with me long after the final page. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Bari in 1943, this novel struck the perfect balance between historical detail and personal drama. I felt every ounce of Siena’s fear and determination as she carried her dangerous secret—the ledger—and found unexpected refuge with Alessia.

What really moved me was the slow build of trust between the two women. Their connection felt genuine and layered, and as their hidden pasts began to surface, I was completely hooked. The mystery tied to art and family secrets gave the story a deeper resonance, and I loved how the author wove that thread through both the present danger and the emotional heart of the book.

Some pacing felt a little slow in places, especially early on, but the payoff was worth it. The writing is lyrical without being overdone, and the descriptions of Bari under siege were haunting and immersive.

This is a story about courage, sacrifice, and the quiet power of art to preserve truth. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads and emotional depth, The Keeper of Lost Art is a must-read.

This book was absolutely stunning and also immensely heartbreaking, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Siena was a wonderful character to follow along with. Alessia was so strong. This book was so moving. Full of love and choices you have to make in hard times. I’ve never read anything like this and it opened up a new genre of books to me.

An emotional story! I enjoyed it, liked the idea of the plot. I felt though that the psychological side of the characters was sometimes rather clumsy. I know the feeling of guilt is deeply engraved in us but at times I found it misplaced and not realistic in this story. One timeline less would have made the reading smoother as well. However, the novel remains a good read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I found The Keeper of Lost Art to be a very emotional story. In times of distress people do not always think in a positive way. Decisions made in the 1920's are exposed in the 1940's. The dual timeline gave me insight into the life after World War One.

Elio and Eva venture to Rome to study art. Things don't go as planned. Elio leaves school and goes searching for what is missing from his life. Eva remains behind and finds what makes her feel alive. Her actions change everything. She soon discovers the truth, but will not give up her child to a man she thought loved her.

A little more than twenty years later; Siena escapes to the home of Auri di Bari. She fled Rome as the Nazis took control. She was endanger. She had been working with others hiding Italy's art. The Nazis were now rounding up members. A book isting where the art had been hidden is thrust into her hands. She is told to run and not look back.

When Siena arrived in Bari; it was under English and American control. That did not mean life was easy. The struggles had me in tears. Their desperation had my heart breaking. To be reminded of the horrors of war, the losses, gutted me. To learn about the mustard gas that would kill and maim residents left me speechless and fuming.

During all the horrors they experienced Siena was searching for her past. She hid the book, given to her for safe keeping, in the cellar. She discovers many painting hidden in the darkness bringing light to her world.

Her life was a mystery yet to be solved. The discoveries were shocking. The revelations shattering. Finally, after more than twenty years truths will be revealed.

This was a beautiful story, told over two timelines. Rome, 1940s, Siena is a private, determined, and stubborn character, helping to hide Italys art from the Germans, whilst searching for her birth mother. Bari, 1940s, Alessia a very kind and caring character, worrying about how to take care of her Nonna, younger brother, and neighbours while her father fights in the war. Both are brought together as around them bombs fall on Italy.
Florence 1920s, we follow twins Eva and Elio, who arrive in to study art at Accademia di Belle Arti. A dream come true, involving a lot of hard work with little praise from Professore Renzetti, resulting in a divide between the siblings.

This was such a lovely story. I enjoyed reading about the work involved in the smuggling and recording of art and the passion of those involved. I really connected with Alessia, with her strong love and protection for her family, worries for her missing father, and struggles as she takes on the 'mother' role in the house. I loved the descriptions of Florence, Rome and Bari, I felt I could easily see them in my imagination. The two timelines were easy to keep track of, although there were a number of chapters between the switches. There are a number of emotional moments, which will leaving you blinking back the tears. This is one for those who love historical fiction that includes family secrets long hidden, hope, love, and friendships.

A beautifully written historical novel that captures the quiet bravery of women during wartime, the emotional weight of sacrifice, and the redemptive power of art. Set against the evocative backdrop of 1943 Bari, Italy, the story blends suspense, found family, and hidden truths in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.

Siena is a character you root for from the start—her courage, vulnerability, and unwavering sense of purpose come alive on the page. I was especially drawn to her dynamic with Alessia, a woman grappling with her own responsibilities and grief while war creeps closer. Their slow-building trust and the revelations that follow were deeply moving.

The writing is rich with sensory detail—the descriptions of war-torn streets, smuggled sketches, and quiet moments between women trying to survive were some of my favorite elements.

This was one beautifully written but heartbreaking tale of the will to survive and protect those you love.

Told as a dual timeline, taking place in Florence, Italy during the 1920s, and the war torn town of Bari, Italy in the 1940s.

1920s Florence- Brother and Sister Eva and Elio get accepted into a prestigious art academy. Elio, having recently returned from serving in the war starts to drift from his sister, having become a member of a resistance group.

Before the summer term ends, Elio decides to go away for a while, leaving Eva to carry on without him and spend her summer alone in Florence. She is taken under the wing of her professor, who captivates her in a way she's never experienced before.

Without giving anything away, something happens during that summer break that leaves Eva with no option but to flee with the help of her close friend Emilia.

This is not a story of the war that is happening around them, but of the women and families left behind to 'hold the fort' and carry on, with the constant worry of their loved ones never coming home.

1940s Bari - Fleeing from Rome, Sienna arrives in the small town, knocking at the door of a local family. She is welcomed in, purely down to what she shows them.

Her sole purpose in life is to save Italys artwork. Working together with a small group, they have set out to reclaim all lost or stolen artwork once the war is over.

Alessia, her grandmother, and her brother are already struggling themselves with the men away at war and food rationing, but Sienna is welcomed into their home. She soon becomes part of the family, but Alessia is sure that Sienna is hiding something from them.

When the war reaches their town, food becomes even more scarce, and then a bombing takes place at the docks, the docks where Nicco has been working. A place that had been declared and promised was safe.

Can Sienna's open heart and determination keep her family safe. Does love really conquer all. Can determination see them through the hardest times imaginable.

The detail of life during the war and the hardships that those living through it had to endure were portrayed amazingly.

Beautifully written and captivating, with a slowly revealed secret, rhis is an easy book to devour in one sitting!

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

An interesting story about Italians hiding their cultural treasures from the Nazi looters. It would have been better if it had had a different name and a slightly different story than another story I just read.

This was an excellent read. The plot had a dual timeline, set in 1920’s Florence and then WW2. It followed the actions of Sienna, an orphan with a love of art who took part in a scheme to record the places where the great art works were hidden to save them from the Nazis. This scheme took her to Bari which was suffering grievously from wartime deprivation. This section was highly informative. While in Bari, she uncovered a family intrigue which made for a compelling end to the book. However, to me it stretched the limits of credibility as sienna found that she had been living 8n the home alongside her twin sister but they had only vaguely seen a visual likeness. This however did not spoil what was a really enjoyable novel.

I simply can’t put in to words how much I truly loved this book. I didn’t want it to end!

Was it the unique characters, and the way that they’re all connected in one way or another? Is it the family mystery, or the love, hope and despair it made me feel? Was it the beautiful descriptive setting, despite being war torn? Was it the way that it kept me guessing, the way it kept drawing me in?

I think it was all of the above.
What a beautifully brilliant story.
This one will definitely stay with me forever more, and I’ll be recommending highly to whoever will listen.

A must read for lovers of historic fiction, Art, Europe… or anyone who loves reading things that make you feel all of the emotions 💜

Thank you so much Netgalley for the gifted ARC 🙏

…now to go through Lelita Baldock’s back catalogue 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Pub Date: 15th May 2025

Historical fiction is a favorite genre, so I was excited to read this.
It's a WWII war-time story taking place in Italy with a dual timeline. The switch between timelines could be a bit clunky at times, but overall this is a really well done novel. Full of love, sadness, fighting for family, and a reminder of the challenges faced by those left behind on the Homefront.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

This is the second book of Lelita's that I've read & I've really enjoyed them both! The Keeper of Lost Art was such a well written book, however, there were a lot of characters in both timelines so at times it was hard to keep track of them.

I found the switch between timelines wasn't very seamless at times and almost disrupted the flow. There is a small twist that I thought I had figured out, but nope!

All around another good historical fiction!

Thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for an advance copy

When a regime tries to erase a country's soul, saving its art becomes an act of pure defiance.

Set against the crumbling beauty of 1940s Bari, The Keeper of Lost Art is a moving, richly atmospheric story about two women bound by secrets, sacrifice, and the power of memory. As Siena flees Rome with a dangerous ledger hidden in her suitcase, she finds refuge — and unexpected connection — with Alessia, a young woman fighting her own silent battles under the shadow of war.

Lelita Baldock’s writing draws you deep into a world where art is more than just beauty — it’s history, identity, and hope itself.

The only minor stumbling block for me was the frequent jumps between timelines and locations, which occasionally disrupted the story’s flow. However, the strength of the characters and the poignancy of the themes more than made up for it.

✨ Perfect for readers who love:
- Wartime secrets and hidden treasures
- Courageous, resilient heroines
- Lyrical, immersive historical fiction
- Stories where art becomes a lifeline

The Keeper of Lost Art reminds us that even in humanity’s darkest moments, the past is worth fighting for — because without it, we lose who we are.

This was a beautiful, but heartbreaking tale of survival, family and the ultimate will to survive. I do not normally read historical fictions because they are hard for me to get into and this one was no different, but once I did get into the storyline, I was absolutely hooked. I cried, I laughed and I got mad right along with these characters. There is a small "twist" and I did not see it coming! Absolutely read this book...

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm publishing for the opportunity to read and review this story!

I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. In 1943, Siena has fled Rome, and with her she has a particular book that she is trying to keep safe. Siena goes to Alessia's house, someone she does not know, and hands her a picture of Bari harbor. Alessia, already struggling to keep her and her family afloat while her father is fighting in the war, automatically takes Siena in. The women wind up forming a bond, not knowing that the bond was set years earlier in 1920s Florence.

I thought the author did an excellent job of portraying how hard it is to live in an area struck down with war, and what that looks like on the home front. I appreciated how the author depicted friendship and community, and how they can endure in times of intensity, such as war, natural disasters, and the loss of citizenship and culture.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Keeper of Lost Art by Lelita Baldock was a wonderful historical fiction novel. This is a dual timeline story that takes place in Florence during the 1920's and in war-torn Bari, Italy during the 1940's.

In Florence during the 1920's, Eva and Elio (sister and brother) are accepted to a very prestige art academy. They both excel at becoming an artist. Another student, Emilia, becomes best friends with Eva. Elio and Emilia become fond friends that could potentially lead to more. The first summer break all the students return home but Eva decides to stay at the academy to perfect her art. Something heartwrenching happens that summer which later leads Eva to run away with her best friend, Emilia.

In Bari during 1943, twenty-year old Siena knocks at the door of a family that she was sent to after fleeing from Rome. It is during a time where food is rationed and people are hungry. Alessia opens the door and even though she has her grandmother and younger brother, Nicco, at the house to care for, she takes Siena in like family. Alessia's father is away at war and her mother passed away years ago. Siena gives Alessia a scrap of paper that is a watercolor and Alessia recognizes the Bari harbour. Siena arrived with a book that contained a log of stolen art, but she hides the book in the cellar without telling anyone. Over time, Siena becomes like family to them, but Alessia still believes that Siena is hiding a secret. Nicco finds work at the harbor to help earn some money to feed the family. Alessia and Siena become very close and lean on each other for strength as bombs destroy their village. During one such bombing, the harbor is attacked. What happens to Nicco?

Later Siena packs up and leaves Bari. Alessia's father returns from war. How does Siena connect with Alessia? What happened to Eva and Elio during the 1920's? How do the characters weave into the story? The story kept me wondering about what would happen! It was emotional with tears, but also joyful as the truth was revealed. I highly recommend this book to read. Loved it :-)

'She lifts the book from the suitcase, gently unwraps it and breathes a heavy sigh of relief. She has made it. The book is safely hidden. But at what cost? '

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was wonderful historical fiction. The details of life during the war and the hardships ordinary people faced just to survive were portrayed well. Then there was the courage to save the art. The threads of the different timelines weaved together well for a beautiful ending. The power of family and community really came through in this book. I found this story interesting and incredibly emotional, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.